The idea of grace is mentioned often throughout the script and is never handled lightly.īy far the most poignant scene comes at the end of the show, in the final conversation between Judas Iscariot and Jesus of Nazareth. The show is not wholly comedic either, however, with many powerful scenes discussing what truly defines an irredeemable person and debating the true merit it takes to get into heaven. In another scene, El-Fayoum finds himself so enamored by Mother Teresa that the court must call recess so he can collect himself. She enters the scene accompanied by strobe lights and party music, dressed to the nines in an ensemble one might find at a disco party instead of the gates of heaven. Yet, “Judas” manages to include not only some very light-hearted moments, but outright hilarious scenes, such as the introduction of Saint Monica (played by Amber Hayes). Judas Iscariot is a highly controversial character in both history and theology, so one could expect a heavy-handed script.
After this, we are transported to Judge Littlefield’s court room, where Cunningham approaches him with Judas’ trial and the meat of the show begins. She goes on to tell us about the Judas she knew – not a traitor, but her son. This monologue is one of the most crucial in the show, and Yancy delivered it brilliantly and in a way that predisposed the audience to sympathize with Judas’ character. She tells of his death, burial and that he currently resides in hell. The show begins with a powerful monologue by Henrietta Iscariot (played by Christina Yancy) informing the audience of some of the facts of Judas’ life through the loving eyes of his mother.
Interspersed between the court scenes are flashbacks to Judas’ past and testimonies about Judas from people who worked closely with him, helping illuminate to the audience and the judge the true story of Judas Iscariot. Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis and directed by UM professor Michael Walker, “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” focuses on Fabiana Aziza Cunningham (played by Melissa Hund) and Yusef El-Fayoum (played by Ryan Orso), as they pull figures from history to debate whether or not Judas should stay in hell. Judas Iscariot – one of the 12 disciples and eventual traitor of Christ was doomed to reside in hell for his crimes, according to common Christian belief. But did he actually deserve it? That is what “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” attempts to answer under the premise of a court case in purgatory. Photo courtesy of University Marketing & Communications Christina Yancy portrays Judas’ mother, Henrietta.
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